Chapter 1 : Birth

The cave reeked of blood.

It clung to the air like a suffocating fog, heavy and metallic, seeping into the back of my throat with every breath. Shadows flickered against jagged stone walls, the remnants of shattered crystals casting a faint, sickly glow. The silence was broken only by the drip of water and the ragged sound of my own breathing.

I slumped against the cold stone, body trembling, every movement setting fire to my nerves. My gaze fixed on the monster before me.

It didn’t advance.
It didn’t need to.

Its eyes bore into me with something worse than hatred disappointment. As though it had expected more… and found me lacking.

“I… can’t move.”

My voice cracked. I forced my eyes downward. My legs no longer legs, but twisted remnants lay sprawled at unnatural angles. The sight made bile rise in my throat, and I nearly vomited.

Each breath scraped through my chest like glass. My vision blurred, narrowing into a tunnel.

That thing… it’s too strong.

Somewhere inside me, a bitter laugh surfaced. A faint smile tugged at my lips, mocking my own weakness.

“…Sorry, Mom. Dad. Looks like I won’t become your royal knight after all.”

The edges of my vision collapsed inward, darkness pressing close like a curtain. With the last of my strength, I let the words slip out, almost too soft to hear:

“I wish… we could play together again.”

And then
Darkness swallowed me whole.

But this… wasn’t the end.
This story doesn’t begin in a dungeon, bleeding and broken.
It began long before that… in a world as bright as the sun itself.

18 years earlier…

On the golden shores of Marudi, where the waves whispered secrets and the sun painted the horizon, two figures sat side by side, unaware their choice that day would ripple into destiny.

Mina, my mother, was a woman with a spirit as fiery as a volcano. Beside her sat my father, Harold calm and steady, the warrior who somehow kept her flame in check. It was on this day that the letter that changed everything arrived.

“Madam Mina, a letter has arrived. From Duke Belmorn himself.”

Sliding down her glasses, she arched an eyebrow.
“Belmorn? Hah. What could that fat pig possibly want?”

She tore the seal, scanning the letter. Her eyes narrowed. Her aura flared. Sand around her feet crackled with heat.
“The nerve… dragging me off my honeymoon to crawl back into dungeons. I’ll roast him alive…”

From the chair beside her, Harold glanced up from his drink, calm as ever.
“What’s happened now?” he asked.

“Belmorn found a new opportunity. A fresh level in the dungeon. And of course, he wants us to scout it before his dogs go sniffing around.”

Harold groaned. “But we’re on our honeymoon… we’re retired.”

“Sorry, love,” Mina said sharply. “The royal seal is on this one. It’s a decree. We don’t get a say. Pack your things.”

Harold sighed, defeated. Mina stood, flames practically dancing around her, fueled by her anger.

The butler collected the letter. “Master Belmorn has already sent a chariot to pick you both up. All expenses are on him. I shall prepare your luggage.”

Mina and Harold exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging it was pointless to argue.

Soon, the chariot carried them through the bustling streets, the city horizon stretching wide beneath the morning sun. Conversation was sparse, each lost in thought about what awaited them.

By the time they arrived, the Adventurers’ Guild loomed ahead a towering stone building buzzing with activity. Inside, Master Belmorn stood at the center, reviewing maps and reports.

The butler bowed as they entered.
“Lord Belmorn, as you requested Sir Harold and Lady Mina have arrived.”

The deep frown on Belmorn’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a wide grin.
“Mina! Harold! I knew you would come!” He pulled them both into a crushing embrace.

“I see you’ve been taking care of my daughter quite well,” he boomed, squeezing Harold until the man’s face turned red.

Clearly suffocating, Harold wheezed, “I-I’ve been doing my best, my l-lord…”

Mina shoved herself free, brushing off her sleeves. Her eyes narrowed.
“Cut the bull, old man. Just get to the point.”

Belmorn’s smile faltered slightly.
“Well, if you’re that eager… let’s move to a more secure area.”

“Benfield,” he called to the butler. “Make sure their bags are taken to their room.”

The heavy oak door creaked open.

Harold and Mina stepped inside. Belmorn strolled past them, settling into the chair behind his desk. He slouched comfortably, jeweled rings glittering as he laced his fingers together.

“Harold, Mina! At last. Please, sit.”

Harold spoke first, steady as ever.
“Lord Belmorn, what’s so special about this new dungeon level that you called us? You have plenty of skilled adventurers here surely they’re more than qualified for a scouting mission.”

Belmorn’s grin widened. “Sharp as ever. But it’s simple. I sense something more in this dungeon. More treasure than usual… rarer, richer.” He twisted a jeweled ring idly. “Call it a merchant’s… sixth sense.”

Mina crossed her arms, gaze hard. “Cut the crap, old man. I was basking on the Marudi beaches on my honeymoon when you dragged me here. So hurry up before I regret not breaking your desk in half.”

Harold raised a hand. Mina, please. Show some

Belmorn cut him off, leaning forward.
“Enough pleasantries. I know you’ve retired, honeymoon and all that.” He turned toward the tall window, his reflection shimmering in the glass.

“If you really want to know… inside that cave lies treasure. Gold, artifacts, relics from the Corrupted Generals themselves. Enough wealth to rival even the king.”

Mina’s patience snapped. “That’s an old folk tale. The Corrupted stories are nothing but lies scarecrows to keep kids in line.”

Belmorn’s eyes glinted with greed.
“Folk tale or not… would you really let such a chance slip away? I’ll sweeten the deal. Double your pay—no… four times. What do you say?”

Harold sighed, dragging a hand through his hair.
Sorry, chief. But we retired for a reason. I don’t live just for myself anymore. We have more to care about now.

Mina smirked, tilting her head. “Five times… and we’ll think about it.”

The room fell silent. Belmorn tapped his desk, each strike echoing like a drumbeat.
“Ah. Last I checked, you didn’t quite finish your contract. Six months short, wasn’t it?”

He leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper.
Four months remain. And don’t forget you came here under royal decree.

The grin spread wider, teeth flashing.So let’s be professional. Look at the bigger picture. What do you say?

Mina exhaled sharply, heat radiating off her skin. “Five times… and we’ll consider it.’’

Belmorn leaned back, satisfied.Then it seems we’ve reached a conclusion. I’ll see you both tomorrow.